Trump’s Legal Battle Continues: Appeals Court Upholds $5 Million Judgment
By Dan Berman, CNN
A federal appeals court has dealt another setback to Donald Trump, rejecting his request to review a $5 million judgment related to allegations of sexual abuse and defamation brought by E. Jean Carroll. This ruling marks yet another chapter in a complex and contentious legal saga that has drawn considerable public interest and media attention.
The Legal Background
The case stems from Carroll’s allegations that Trump raped her in a Bergdorf Goodman department store in the 1990s. Following the allegations, Trump publicly denied Carroll’s claims, asserting she wasn’t his type and insinuating that her story was fabricated to generate book sales. This prompted Carroll to take legal action against Trump, accusing him of both battery and defamation.
In a significant decision, a jury found Trump liable for civil battery due to the sexual assault claim. As a result, the jury awarded Carroll approximately $2 million for the battery claim, alongside nearly $3 million for the defamation claim, highlighting the legal consequences of Trump’s actions and statements regarding Carroll’s allegations.
Appeals Court Ruling
On Friday, a three-judge panel from the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the jury’s verdict, rejecting Trump’s plea for reconsideration. This decision signifies the challenges Trump faces in seeking to overturn the initial judgment, and now he faces the prospect of taking his case to the Supreme Court, should he choose to pursue that route.
Trump’s stance remains defiant; he has consistently denied all claims against him by Carroll, labeling the civil trial outcome as a “total disgrace.” In light of the court’s latest decision, a spokesperson for Trump stated that there is significant public support for the former president and called for an end to what they term the "political weaponization" of the justice system.
The Dissenting Opinion
Interestingly, the ruling wasn’t unanimous. Two judges, Steven Menashi and Michael Park, dissented from the decision, siding with Trump’s view that the inclusion of the Access Hollywood tape—where Trump infamously boasted that stars can “do anything” to women—and other evidence portraying alleged prior misconduct unfairly prejudiced the jury. Their dissent suggests a belief that the verdict was influenced more by character evidence than by solid, reliable facts.
Impact on Carroll and Future Proceedings
For E. Jean Carroll, this verdict represents a significant legal victory, not only affirming her claims but also holding Trump accountable for his actions and the subsequent defaming statements. Meanwhile, as Trump considers his next legal moves, the implications of this case resonate beyond just the courtroom, touching on broader societal discussions about accountability, sexual assault, and the intersection of celebrity and justice.
Carroll’s courage in coming forward and the ensuing legal battles illustrate the complexities involved when powerful figures face allegations. The decision of whether or not Trump will pursue an appeal in the Supreme Court remains uncertain, but the narrative around this case is likely to continue captivating public attention.
Ongoing Public Interest
While the legal hurdles continue to mount for Trump, public interest in the case remains high. The interplay of celebrity, legal controversies, and societal attitudes towards sexual misconduct ensures that discussions surrounding this case will persist. As the judicial process unfolds, the implications for both Trump and Carroll, along with their respective supporters, will continue to be closely monitored by the media and the public alike.
This legal saga is far from over, and each ruling adds a new layer to an already complicated narrative that intertwines personal actions, public perception, and the principles of justice in America today.
